With the mercury shooting up like never before, people in Kerala are vulnerable to several diseases. The most dangerous of them all is jaundice, which is a silent killer. Any lethargy shown in dealing with the disease could prove fatal. Jaundice spreads mainly through water. To prevent the disease, the following measures could be adopted:
Carry our super chlorination of wells and other water sources
Drink only water boiled for 20 minutes and cooled
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after eating. Do this before and after ablutions also
Seek prompt medical care. Ensure total rest
Practise personal hygiene
Avoid alcohol
Do not use commercially produced ice
If tested negative for Hepatitis A, check for Hepatitis E
Other health issues
All districts of the state are experiencing extreme heat since the beginning of March. The main health problems caused by such weather conditions are:
Sunstroke
When the mercury rises beyond a certain level, the temperature control mechanism of the body gets damaged. As a result, the body becomes incapable of ejecting heat and several vital functions are affected.
Signs of sunstroke
Very high body temperature
Body becomes dry and takes on a reddish appearance
Pulse becomes feeble
Severe headache
Dizziness
The victim may lose consciousness
Heat exhaustion
It is the condition in which the body loses its water content as well as the salts and minerals through sweat. People working in the sun, elderly citizens and those having high blood pressure and similar diseases are most vulnerable.
Measures to be adopted
Move from an area of direct sunlight to a cool place
Wipe the body with cold water
Drink plenty of water
If wearing thick clothes, remove them
Rush to hospital
Sun burns
Parts of the body directly exposed to the sun may become reddish and swellings may appear. Sometimes, pain may be felt and burns could develop. In some cases, boils are also seen.
Muscle cramps
Cramps develop in the muscles of the limbs and the area near the stomach as a result of dehydration
To tackle this condition, drink rice gruel with a pinch of salt, lemon juice and tender coconut water
Heat swellings
Children are most susceptible to this condition. It develops when the child scratches the areas of the body where excessive sweating occurs. Neck and upper part of the chest are common places where the swellings develop. Keep these areas always dry for prevention.